How To Clone Anubias Plant – A Sustainable Guide To Lush Aquascapes
Ever look at that gorgeous, deep-green Anubias thriving in your aquarium and think, “I wish I had five more of those”? You see them attached to driftwood, adding a touch of serene nature, and you know your aquascape could use more. But buying new plants can get expensive, fast.
I’m here to let you in on one of the best secrets in the aquarium hobby: you can easily, safely, and affordably create an endless supply of Anubias from the one you already have. It’s simpler than you think and incredibly rewarding.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to clone anubias plant. We’ll cover the basic biology, the simple tools you’ll need, the step-by-step process, and how to care for your new plant babies. Get ready to transform your single Anubias into a lush, green forest!
Why Clone Your Anubias? The Surprising Benefits
Beyond the obvious joy of creating new life, propagating your Anubias has some seriously practical advantages. This isn’t just a fun weekend project; it’s a smart strategy for any aquarist. The benefits of how to clone anubias plant extend beyond just getting more plants for free.
Save Money and Get More Plants
Let’s start with the most obvious perk: it’s free! A single Anubias nana, coffeefolia, or barteri can cost a pretty penny, especially if it’s a larger, established specimen. By learning to clone it, you turn a one-time purchase into a long-term investment that literally keeps on growing.
Create a Lush, Cohesive Aquascape
Want that dense, jungle-like look? Cloning is the answer. Propagating from a single mother plant ensures all your new plants have the exact same leaf shape, color, and growth pattern. This creates a beautifully uniform and natural-looking aquascape that can be difficult to achieve when buying plants from different sources.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Aquascaping
This is a core principle of a truly sustainable how to clone anubias plant approach. By propagating your own plants, you reduce the demand for commercially farmed aquatic plants, which lessens the environmental impact associated with shipping and agriculture. It’s an eco-friendly how to clone anubias plant practice that makes your hobby a little greener.
Share with Friends (or Trade!)
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll likely have more Anubias than you know what to do with! This is a fantastic opportunity to share with fellow hobbyists, trade for different plant species or fish, or even sell to your local fish store. It’s a great way to engage with the aquarium community.
Understanding Anubias Anatomy: The Key to Successful Cloning
Before you grab the scissors, it’s crucial to understand the part of the plant you’ll be working with. Unlike stem plants that you just snip and replant, Anubias has a specific structure. Getting this right is the difference between success and a rotting plant piece.
The magic is all in the rhizome. This is the thick, horizontal stem-like part from which both the leaves (upwards) and roots (downwards) grow. Think of it as the plant’s central highway for nutrients and energy.
Key parts to identify:
- The Rhizome: This is the thick, green or brownish part that creeps along the surface of whatever it’s attached to. This is what you will cut.
- The Leaves: These grow upwards from the top of the rhizome, each on its own stem (petiole).
- The Roots: These are the thin, wiry growths that come out from the bottom of the rhizome. Their main job is to anchor the plant, not to absorb nutrients from the substrate.
The most important rule, and one we’ll repeat, is to never bury the rhizome in your substrate. Burying it will cut off its access to light and oxygenated water, causing it to rot and kill the entire plant.
Gathering Your Tools: What You’ll Need for the Job
Don’t worry, you don’t need a high-tech lab for this. The tools required are simple and you probably have most of them already. Having everything ready beforehand makes the process smooth and stress-free.
- A Healthy Mother Plant: Choose a large, mature Anubias with a long rhizome and plenty of leaves. A healthy plant will recover faster and produce more robust clones.
- A Sharp Cutting Tool: A pair of sharp aquarium scissors, a razor blade, or an X-Acto knife will work perfectly. The key is sharpness—a dull blade will crush the rhizome tissue, inviting infection and rot.
- A Clean Cutting Surface: A small plastic cutting board or a clean plate will do. Avoid porous surfaces like wood that can harbor bacteria.
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Attachment Supplies: You’ll need a way to secure your new clones. The two best options are:
- Super Glue Gel: Make sure it is 100% Cyanoacrylate. Brands like Gorilla Glue Gel or Loctite Super Glue Gel are hobbyist favorites. The gel formula is easier to control than liquid.
- Fishing Line or Cotton Thread: A classic method. Cotton thread will dissolve over time, by which point the plant’s roots should have taken hold. Fishing line is permanent but less visible.
- Something to Attach To: Your new clones need a home. Small pieces of lava rock, driftwood, or even ceramic decorations are perfect anchors.
The Complete Guide on How to Clone Anubias Plant: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Alright, you’ve got your tools and you understand the mission. It’s time to get hands-on! This how to clone anubias plant guide will break it down into simple, manageable steps. Just take your time and be deliberate with your actions.
Step 1: Remove and Clean the Mother Plant
Gently remove the entire Anubias plant from your aquarium. If it’s heavily rooted to a large piece of driftwood, you can try to perform the cut underwater, but it’s much easier to work with it out of the tank.
Once it’s out, give it a gentle rinse in a bucket of old tank water (not tap water, to protect beneficial bacteria). This will remove any algae, detritus, or pesky snails, giving you a clear view of the rhizome.
Step 2: Identify Your Cutting Points
Lay the plant on your cutting surface and examine the rhizome. You are looking for a section that has at least 3-4 healthy leaves and some of its own roots, if possible. This isn’t a strict rule, but it gives the new clone the best chance of survival as it has leaves for photosynthesis and roots for anchoring.
The goal is to divide the long rhizome into smaller, viable sections. A large mother plant might yield 2, 3, or even more new clones. Ensure the original mother plant is also left with a substantial portion of the rhizome and plenty of leaves.
Step 3: Make the Cut
This is the moment of truth! Take your sharp, sterilized blade or scissors and make a single, clean cut through the rhizome. Don’t saw back and forth. A decisive, clean slice is one of the most important how to clone anubias plant best practices as it minimizes damage to the plant tissue.
You now have two (or more) separate Anubias plants! The original piece is the “mother plant” and the new piece is your “clone.” Congratulations!
Step 4: Attach Your New Clone
Your new clone needs to be attached to a hardscape object like a rock or wood. Remember, do not bury the rhizome!
- Using Super Glue Gel: Pat the rhizome and the attachment spot on the rock/wood dry with a paper towel. Apply a few small dabs of the gel to the rock, then press the rhizome firmly onto the glue for about 30-60 seconds until it holds. The glue is aquarium-safe and cures instantly underwater.
- Using Thread/Fishing Line: Simply wrap the thread or line around the rhizome and the object it’s being attached to. Tie a secure knot. Be careful not to tie it so tightly that it cuts into the rhizome. Just snug enough to hold it in place.
Once attached, you can place your new clone (and the original mother plant) back into the aquarium.
Post-Cloning Care: Nurturing Your New Anubias Cuttings
Your work isn’t quite done. Providing the right environment will ensure your new clones not only survive but thrive. This is the final piece of your how to clone anubias plant care guide.
Place the newly cloned plants in an area with low to moderate light and good water flow. High light can stress a new cutting and encourage algae to grow on its slow-growing leaves. Good flow brings nutrients to the plant and prevents debris from settling on it.
Don’t be alarmed if the plant looks a little sad for the first week or two. It’s experiencing some shock from the process. You may even see an old leaf melt away. This is normal. As long as the rhizome remains firm and green, the plant is healthy. New root growth is the first sign of success, followed by tiny new leaves unfurling from the rhizome.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems with How to Clone Anubias Plant
Even with the best preparation, you might run into an issue. Don’t panic! Here are some common problems with how to clone anubias plant and how to solve them.
Problem: The Rhizome is Turning Mushy and Brown
Cause: This is rhizome rot. It’s usually caused by burying the rhizome, significant physical damage from a dull cutting tool, or a pre-existing bacterial infection.
Solution: Act fast. Remove the plant and cut away all the mushy, brown parts of the rhizome with a sterile blade until you only see healthy, firm green tissue. Re-attach the healthy portion to a rock or wood and place it in an area with higher water flow.
Problem: My New Clone Isn’t Growing
Cause: Anubias are slow growers by nature. Patience is key! It can take several weeks or even a month to see noticeable new growth. It could also be a lack of nutrients in the water column.
Solution: First, be patient. As long as the plant isn’t rotting, it’s likely just acclimating. Second, ensure you are dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer. Anubias are primarily water column feeders, so they need nutrients like potassium and micronutrients available in the water.
Problem: Algae is Covering the Leaves
Cause: This is very common with Anubias. Because their leaves grow so slowly, algae has time to establish a foothold. It’s usually a sign of too much light or an imbalance of nutrients in the tank.
Solution: Reduce your lighting period or intensity. Ensure your nutrient levels are balanced (check nitrates and phosphates). You can also gently wipe the leaves with your finger or a soft toothbrush during water changes. Introducing algae-eaters like Amano shrimp or Otocinclus catfish can also be a huge help.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Clone Anubias Plant
How many leaves should a new Anubias cutting have?
A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 3-5 healthy leaves per cutting. This provides enough surface area for photosynthesis to support the plant while it establishes new roots. While you can propagate a piece with fewer leaves, its chances of success are lower.
Can I cut an Anubias rhizome that has no leaves?
It’s possible, but very risky. A piece of rhizome with no leaves is called a “blind” cutting. It has no way to photosynthesize and must rely entirely on its stored energy to sprout a new leaf. Success rates are very low, so it’s best to ensure every cutting has leaves.
How long does it take for a new Anubias clone to grow roots?
Patience is a virtue with Anubias! You will likely see the first signs of new, bright white root nubs emerging from the rhizome within 2 to 4 weeks. It can take several months for the plant to develop a strong, anchoring root system.
Is it better to use super glue gel or thread to attach Anubias?
Both methods are excellent. Super glue gel is faster, provides an instant and very secure hold, and is often less visible. Thread is the more traditional method, is very cheap, and works perfectly well. It’s purely a matter of personal preference. Many experienced aquascapers use glue for its convenience.
Will the original “mother” plant be okay after I cut it?
Absolutely! As long as you leave the mother plant with a healthy section of rhizome and plenty of leaves, it will heal over and continue to grow, often branching out from the cut end. In many cases, “pruning” the rhizome in this way actually encourages fuller, bushier growth.
You’ve Got This: Go Forth and Grow!
You are now equipped with all the knowledge you need on how to clone anubias plant. It’s a simple, rewarding process that empowers you to take more control over your aquascape, save money, and practice a more sustainable form of the hobby.
Don’t be intimidated. Your first cut might feel a little nerve-wracking, but you’ll quickly see how resilient and forgiving these amazing plants are. Take a deep breath, grab your tools, and get ready to multiply the beauty in your aquarium.
Happy scaping!
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